CPU Comparison
Core i7-640M vs Intel Core i5-560M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-640M (BGA) is a high-end mobile dual-core processor launched in September 2010. Based on the Arrandale architecture, it features 2 cores and 4 threads with a base clock of 2.8 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.46 GHz. Unlike its Socket G1 counterpart, this variant utilizes the BGA 1288 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) for everyday multimedia tasks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks help with legacy office apps.
Marginally better than the i5-540M in office tasks, but the difference is barely perceptible in daily use.
Gaming
Weak IGP cannot handle modern games.
The slight clock increase over the i5-540M does not meaningfully change gaming capability. Still unsuitable for any modern title.
Virtualization
Basic VMs are fine but limited by core count.
VT-x and VT-d are present, but 2 cores and 3MB cache severely limit practical VM workloads.
Efficiency
Standard 35W efficiency for the era.
Same 35W TDP as other Arrandale chips. Efficiency is poor by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI-specific instruction sets
- Cannot run any modern AI inference workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake graphics are too weak
- No modern API support
- First-gen Intel HD Graphics remains the bottleneck
- Slightly higher CPU clock has minimal gaming impact
- Playable only in pre-2010 games at low resolutions
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely high clock speeds
- Soldered package for durability
- Integrated HD Graphics
- Strong single-core performance
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded (BGA)
- Obsolete by modern standards
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited memory speed
Pros
- Socketed package allows CPU upgrades
- Higher clocks than i5-540M at same 35W TDP
- AES-NI hardware encryption support
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization support
- Inexpensive on the used market
Cons
- Obsolete for any modern workload
- Only 3MB shared L3 cache
- No AVX instruction support
- 8GB RAM ceiling
- First-gen Intel HD Graphics very weak
- Sandy Bridge launched just 4 months later
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-640M
- AMD Phenom II N930Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-620MRival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-720QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-540MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-640M (rPGA)Alt
Socketed version if upgradeability is needed.
- AMD Phenom II P920Alt
AMD quad-core alternative.
- Intel Core i7-2640MAlt
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative.
Intel Core i5-560M
- AMD Turion II N540Rival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N660Rival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-620MAlt
Same socket, higher 3.33 GHz turbo and 4MB L3 cache for a meaningful upgrade.
Slightly higher turbo boost if available at similar price.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-520MAlt
Lower cost option if the marginal clock difference does not justify the price premium.
Our Verdict on Each
A top-tier Arrandale processor offering excellent 2010 performance, but the BGA package means no upgrades are possible.
Best for: Legacy laptop repair
Read the full reviewThe socketed variant of the i5-560M holds slight historical interest as one of the last easily swappable mobile Intel CPUs, but offers no practical value for modern computing.
Best for: Upgrading a Socket G1 laptop that currently has a Core i3 or lower-clocked i5
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-640M or Intel Core i5-560M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-640M comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-640M or Intel Core i5-560M?
For gaming, the Core i7-640M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i7-640M and Intel Core i5-560M.
Do Core i7-640M and Intel Core i5-560M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-640M: Intel BGA 1288, Intel Core i5-560M: Intel Socket G1 (rPGA988A)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-560M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-560M (1,960). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.